Spain needs more blood donors

Spanish health authorities believe that many people particularly younger people consider that there is a long list of reasons why they may not give blood. These include having travelled to countries where malaria is prevalent or even just sporting a tattoo.

The Blood Donors Association (Adona) has begun a drive to clarify information and increase the amount of blood in storage for emergency hospital use. There is a general shortage of blood which the organisation hopes to reverse the situation with some publicity and education about just who can and cannot donate blood.

A recent study discovered that 65% of the viable population have never donated blood for many reasons that include perceived health problems or even a straightforward fear of needles, according to the survey some would give blood but simply have no information about how to go about it.

The Association says that generally anyone between the ages of 18 and 65 who is reasonably healthy can donate their blood. Relatively few people are excluded from giving blood such as those suffering from HIV or hepatitis C or B.

Generally speaking to some practices do disqualify donation such as travelling to a country with a prevalence of malaria but this is only temporary and after a few weeks back home these people are in a position to again begin giving blood donations.